Workers at Alatrade Poultry Join RWDSU (9/18/08)

Over 500 workers employed at the Alatrade poultry plant in Phoenix City, Alabama will soon enjoy the dignity, respect, protections and benefits that come with a union contract. The workers at the Phoenix City plant join 1,800 other workers represented by the RWDSU at three other Alatrade plants.

The Phoenix City plant, a deboning facility, just opened in January, 2008, and attracted many workers who had previously been members of the RWDSU at other poultry plants. As a result, workers knew the value of a strong union voice.
“I used to work at the Equity poultry plant in Camilla, Georgia, which was an RWDSU plant,” said William Getter, who took work at the new Alatrade plant because it was closer to home.

“I knew immediately that it was important we bring the union here, Getter said. “We need to be able to file grievances when we have a problem, and we need the benefits that come with having representation and a union contract.”
After 70 percent of the workers signed union cards, the company agreed to recognize the RWDSU Alabama and Mid-South Council as the workers’ union.
“It was very clear that these workers knew how important it is to have a union in a poultry plant, and that they were determined to join,” said RWDSU Representative Johnny Whitaker.

“The company saw this and agreed to recognize the union,” Whitaker added.
The recognition becomes effective on January 1, 2009 and the union is preparing to enter negotiations for a first contract.